Watch A Car Get Devoured By Flowing Lava From A Hawaiian Volcano

Watch A Car Get Devoured By Flowing Lava From A Hawaiian Volcano

Kilauea, a volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It’s been in a constant state of eruption for the past 35 years. In the eruption on May 3rd, fissures spewed lava and released toxic gas, causing about 2,000 people to evacuate their homes. It’s hard to imagine a slow molten rock wave, burning everything in its path.

The Danger Of Kilauea

As mentioned, Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Although it’s been erupting for decades, this eruption happened when cracks in the volcano’s rift zone opened fissures, releasing molten rock and lava spews.

USGS

Seventeen fissures have opened so far, and hundreds of homes are still in danger. The volcano isn’t done yet.

The Power Of Molten Rock

Molten rock, or lava, is a slow-moving substance with heat at about 1,292 to 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit. You can imagine it will incinerate and gobble up everything it touches. Lava can flow for a long distance before cooling, and there’s no way to tell how long that distance will be.

USGS

While this lava was traveling across the road the owner of the Ford Mustang in the video below caught his car being devoured in front of his eyes.

It’s easy to be mesmerized by the video because the car pretty much just disappears as its melted to slag. The sheer power of lava is hard to look away from.

The Aftermath

When you think of lava, it’s easy for your mind to go to the destruction and devastation left in its wake. After the lava cools and people return to their homes and recover from the damage the volcano has caused, the molten rock leaves behind fertile ground.

USGS

Over the long term, the once-destructive molten rock force, rich with minerals, will break down from weather and erosion. The soil it becomes is some of the most fertile soil on the planet. The trees, homes, and certainly that car will never come back, but the land will re-grow over time and develop into an even more beautiful Hawaiian landscape.